Yellow Jackets burrow into the ground & will attack if they feel threatened . . . and it does not take much for them to feel that way.
Be extremely aware when working, outside, of their activity & stay away from them. You can always reschedule your work in an area in exchange for your safety.
I, personally, rattled a nest a few years ago and spent much of a day in the ER on IV fluids and meds. I had hundreds of bites above the collar of my shirt. I was lucky enough to not get run over when I leapt into Atlanta rush hour traffic. . . or die from the level of toxins in my body. My good fortune extended to my reaching the ER within 15 minutes of the attack.
Last night, we learned of a dear friend who was attacked while working alone in the garden of a client. He fell while being stung . . . hit his head on concrete, fractured his skull and is in ICU.
The horror of his situation reaches beyond his allergy to the bites. He was unconscious and not found for a few hours.
My friend is a wonderful man. a seasoned professional and really great plantsman.
I am very upset that he is in this situation and pray for his immediate recovery.
Honestly, I can't emphasize it enough : USE HEIGHTENED AWARENESS WHEN WORKING OUTSIDE.
When possible, do not work alone, especially, in isolated areas.
Carry a EPI pen if you are allergic to bee stings, after consulting with your physician.
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